A boy of 14 was knifed to death by teenage hoodies armed with blades, bats, a heavy chain and a samurai sword, a court heard yesterday.

Paul Erhahon was said to have been attacked by up to 15 youths in a "senseless act of gratuitous violence for no credible cause". A 15-year-old friend was stabbed five times and left for dead.

The attackers fled "amidst joking and laughter", the Old Bailey heard. As the horrifying claims were made, Paul's mother Ivy fled the court in tears.

Paul and his pal were approached by hoodies as they stood outside flats in Leytonstone, East London.

One of the gang, it was claimed, made a call on his mobile and a larger group arrived in seconds.

There was a stand-off. Then the group joined in the savage attack. Paul, who was stabbed in the heart, was heard to shout: "You can't be shanking me!" Prosecutor Jonathan Turner, QC, claimed: "This was senseless violence.

"Neither Paul nor his friend was armed. Neither did anything to provoke the attack. Neither tried to fight back or defend themselves."

Seven youths aged 14-19 deny murder and attempted murder. All are said to be members of a gang called the Cathall Boys. The case continues.